Mark Cuban said multiple players told him they wanted to be traded if Avery Johnson returned as coach this season.

The Mavericks owner revealed the gravity of the rift between Johnson and his players at Monday's media day when asked how he came to the conclusion that he needed to fire Johnson.

Quote:

When asked if more than five players requested a trade, Cuban said yes. More than seven?

"Close," Cuban said.

Wow. I had no idea it had gotten that bad. Thats one of the first times i've heard of something like that. I know Denver had that coup in the 90's against their coach, and Spree expressed his displeasure with the coach in his own....breathtaking way, but over 5 players outright demanding trades if the coach is still there? Especially when everyone thought so highly of Avery last year.

Are we supposed to believe Cuban ?
Or is it a protect your a$$ comment ?
I believe there is some truth to it , because I would not doubt there is at least one player or more on every team that doesn't like their coach.

idk if this is true or not but really this is just low on cubans part. I mean the guy (avery) coaches this team for 3-4 years, bassicaly makes them a contender and puts his heart into the team and now you've bassically assured him of never getting another job as a head coach.(maybeeee in the future, but not for a while) I mean you can at least shut your mouth because honestly it wasn't all his fault and now your just pointing fingers.

idk if this is true or not but really this is just low on cubans part. I mean the guy (avery) coaches this team for 3-4 years, bassicaly makes them a contender and puts his heart into the team and now you've bassically assured him of never getting another job as a head coach.(maybeeee in the future, but not for a while) I mean you can at least shut your mouth because honestly it wasn't all his fault and now your just pointing fingers.

Don Nelson really set up that Dallas team as far as their playing style. You knew it was just a matter of time before they became contenders. When AJ and Donnie faced each other in the playoffs, look who come out on top.